Milwaukee Brewers Microbrew

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The best team in baseball goes on an offensive rampage after quiet trade deadline. Plus: A chat with Easton McGee (08.04.2025 Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

The Milwaukee Brewers went on an unprecedented offensive outburst, wrapping up an eventful week with a 5-1 record and smashing sweep of the Nationals. Brewers writer Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe break down the team with the best record in baseball, even though there were some hiccups as well like injuries to Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick and Jacob Misiorowski. The trade deadline came and went, and the Brewers have a couple new players, including Wisconsin native Danny Jansen. Did they miss an opportunity at the deadline or simply follow their successful model? Plus: William Contreras gets white hot but goes under the microscope for baserunning, the Andrew Vaughn Experience continues apace, and will this injury keep Misiorowski from the Rookie of the Year?
In Three Up Three Down (41:00), the guys discuss pocket pancakes, the massive Brewers-White Sox connection and Craig Yoho. In Remembrew When (54:45), JR connects Andrew Vaughn to a player from Milwaukee Braves lore. In Curt Blanche (58:30), Curt gives his final thoughts on the trade deadline.
Then, JR sits down with Brewers relief pitcher Easton McGee (1:02:00), chatting about his hard-luck career arc, the challenges of his time with the Brewers and Kentucky basketball.
Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

Welcome to the 2025 trade deadline, and the Brewers need a bat. Trade-deadline chatter with Robert Murray (07.28.2025) Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

The Milwaukee Brewers need some thump at the 2025 trade deadline, but will the franchise actually be able to make a splash in the coming days? Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe shout out some names and scenarios as they ponder what's next for Milwaukee. Plus: The Brewers get oh-so-close to free burgers and a 12-game winning streak, then slog through a so-so week, but one that ends in walk-off fashion and still with a first-place team. Should the Brewers try to extend Brandon Woodruff? Jackson Chourio is red-hot. What's the plan to manage Jacob Misiorowski's workload? Curt also gives his review of an electric evening in Milwaukee with the alumni home-run derby.
In Three Up Three Down (44:00), Isaac Collins has a wild slide, Ken Rosenthal gives a nudge to Mark Attanasio and a good baserunning team that can't steal bases? In Remembrew When (1:06:00), it's time for another CC Sabathia memory during Hall of Fame induction weekend. Curt Blanche (1:12:00), meanwhile, is naming names in the final days before the trade deadline.
Then, JR is joined by national baseball writer Robert Murray (1:21:00), a Wisconsin native who knows a thing or two about Brewers coverage. They discuss sensible fits, what the Brewers should do and what they're looking for. Is there a deal out there that involves Freddy Peralta? Are the Brewers as secretive as they seem? How did Robert become a transaction guru?
Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

The smoking-hot Brewers give the Dodgers the business, George Webb next? Plus: Conversations with Prince Fielder and Bill Hall (07.21.2025) Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

The Brewers have won 10 straight, coming through the all-star break with yet another impressive series to become the first team since 2006 to sweep a season series of at least six games against the Dodgers. The Brewers are suddenly flirting with the best record in baseball, and that's on top of a busy week that featured the All-Star Game and draft. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss all of it, plus the up-and-down Joey Ortiz, the pitching rotation with Nestor Cortes on the verge of return, the trade deadline outlook and the remaining buzz around Jacob Misiorowski's selection to the all-star team.
In Three Up Three Down (33:45), they talk Wisconsin draft picks, an awkward interview and Jackson Chourio. Remembrew When (48:30) looks back at that other All-Star Game that ended in a tie this century. Todd's Take of the Week (54:30) examines what's on the immediate horizon for the Brewers.
Then, JR gets to chat with Bill Hall (57:45) and Prince Fielder (1:12:00), two former players who will be on hand for the Brewers' alumni home run derby July 25 as part of a celebration commemorating the 25 seasons of American Family Field. They discuss the upcoming event, their memories with the Brewers, Rickie Weeks, CC Sabathia and Fielder's son, Jadyn, in the Brewers minor leagues.
Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

The wild Jacob Misiorowski all-star nod and the white-hot Brewers have an all-time week to remember (07.14.2025) Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

What an incredible week for the Brewers. Milwaukee went 6-0, sweeping the mighty Dodgers in the process, got some remarkable all-star news and won twice via walk-off. Host JR Radcliffe and Brewers reporter Curt Hogg discuss the shocking news of Jacob Misiorowski getting added to the all-star team (coincidentally after dominating the Dodgers?), the news that Trevor Megill is headed to Atlanta for the showcase as well and another strong start from Brandon Woodruff. Now 16 games above .500, the Brewers hit the all-star break on a high. Plus: Andrew Vaughn arrives in a huge way, Pat Murphy's decision to openly bench Joey Ortiz, Sal Frelick's injury and walk-off winners from Jackson Chourio and Caleb Durbin.
In Three Up, Three Down (40:30), they talk Jesús Made in the Futures Game, Andruw Monasterio's heads-up baserunning, last year's No. 1 pick having a moment and ... Adrian Houser? In Remembrew When (54:30), JR revisits another week that could be considered the greatest in franchise lore, and Curt Blanche (1:00:15) tackles one component of All-Star Weekend.
Then, JR interviews two Brewers players, including Andrew Vaughn (1:05:15), who had a sensational first week in Milwaukee with a home run in his first at-bat and game-tying hits in eventual walk-off wins twice. He also chats with Anthony Seigler (1:10:15), another newcomer who has the unique distinction of being able to throw with either hand.
Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

Brandon Woodruff's return provides an uplifting grace note on 3-3 road trip (07.07.2025) Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Brandon Woodruff returned to a big-league mound for the first time in more than 1.5 seasons, and the early returns were excellent. His winning showing against Miami capped a 3-3 road trip as Milwaukee heads into the final week before the all-star break. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss that outing, the first shaky performance from Jacob Misiorowski (and levels of concern), all-star Freddy Peralta, what's next for Chad Patrick and the injury to Rhys Hoskins bringing about the dawn of the Andrew Vaughn era.
In Three Up Three Down (42:30), they discuss a chilly reaction between a pitcher and infielder, the team's trouble stealing bases, and the continued struggles of William Contreras. In Remembrew When (1:04:15), JR revisits an iconic Woodruff moment. Curt Blanche takes aim at a holiday staple (1:09:45).
Then, JR catches up with infield coach Matt Erickson (1:14:45), one of the few Wisconsinites on the Brewers' Major League staff. He talks about his unique big-league career and his time as long-tenured Timber Rattlers manager in his Appleton hometown.
Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

Catching up on a big week for the Brewers against Pittsburgh and Colorado (07.01.2025) Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

The Brewers are sitting in a playoff spot and just two games out of first place in the National League Central, even after a gut-punch loss Sunday. That's because the team won four of its other five games during the week, continuing a trend of red-hot Brewers baseball. Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak catches up with host JR Radcliffe about the past week (after our regularly-scheduled episode focused on the minors). They discuss Miz vs. Skenes, Joey Ortiz back in a groove, Anthony Seigler, bullpen concerns, the pending return of Brandon Woodruff, Quinn Priester on absolute fire and who might be the team's All-Star.

Diving deep on the Brewers minor leagues: Made, Peña, Pratt and more, plus a conversation with three top Timber Rattlers (06.30.2025) Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of Microbrew, Journal Sentinel reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe take a deep dive into the Brewers farm system, a talent-rich territory that Curt recently profiled with his prospect rankings at jsonline.com. They discuss the top tier stars Jesús Made and Luis Peña. What makes them special, and is 18 years old too early to identify greatness? They discuss the next tier of players (Cooper Pratt, Jeferson Quero), the controversial prospects who could go either way (Braylon Payne, Brock Wilken, Eric Bitonti) and the players who could potentially help the Brewers this season (Anthony Siegler). Does the pitching dry up after Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson? What about the new names to know, like Brailyn Antunez? Who aren't we talking about enough?
Then, JR has interviews with three players discussed, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers players Bishop Letson, Blake Burke and Marco Dinges. They discuss their baseball journeys and Dinges and Burke re-live an epic College World Series against each other just last year.
We'll be back next week with our regular week-in-review of the big-league Brewers.

Jacob Misiorowski is even more dazzling the second time, and the offense goes nuclear. Plus: A conversation with Rob Zastryzny (06.23.2025) Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Jacob Misiorowski was asked on last week's podcast what he could do for an encore to his great debut, and he mused, "Six innings, no-hit?" Well, guess what? Misiorowski was even better the second time around, working six perfect innings in a productive week of road baseball for the Brewers, which also included some offensive fireworks. Host JR Radcliffe is joined by special guest Spencer Michaelis to discuss the majority of the week, which including a narrow win at Wrigley and a series win at Target Field. What does the new Garrett Mitchell injury mean for this team (and specifically hot-hitting Isaac Collins)? What's a good timeline for Brandon Woodruff? What are some of the craziest components of Misiorowski's six perfect innings to open in Minnesota?
In Three Up Three Down (42:15), a fan climbs the net for a bat, a bad call turns favorable and a Miz stat that really pops. In Remembrew When (1:02:15), we don't go back very far to find the last time a player drove in eight runs in a game, like Christian Yelich did Friday. Finally, the take of the week (1:06:15) explores an error in Major League Baseball's statkeeping.
Then, JR chats with relief pitcher Rob Zastryzny (1:16:15) on his unusual upbringing (born in Edmonton, Canada, and grew up in Texas), the lack of run support at Missouri, winning a ring with the Cubs in 2016, his circuitous journey back to Milwaukee and more.
Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

Jacob Misiorowski mania has arrived, leading to an electric debut and a trade. Plus: A conversation with Misiorowski himself (06.16.2025) Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

An eventful week of Brewers baseball included a 4-3 record, including a thrilling debut for top prospect Jacob Misiorowski, who worked five no-hit innings in a 6-0 win. His arrival also meant an abrupt departure for Aaron Civale, traded to the White Sox after expressing dissatisfaction with his move to the bullpen. Plus: The Brewers may have just been right about Quinn Priester. The confusing nature of Freddy Peralta. The continued struggles of Joey Ortiz. An offense that still needs a spark.
In Three Up Three Down (47:00), there's some tension in a battle with the Cardinals, Sal Frelick's screamer and Abner Uribe continues to shine. In Remembrew When (1:03:30), a look back to the 1980s and perhaps the buzziest pitching debut in franchise history. Curt Blanche (1:08:00) tackles a popular food item.
Then, JR sits down with Jacob Misiorowski himself (1:15:15), talking his memories growing up watching the Royals, Miz the wrestler, the Futures Game, draft night and how he tops that first outing.
Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

The offense has another rough weekend, and what's up with Brandon Woodruff? Plus: A conversation with Caleb Durbin (06.09.2025) Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

The offense endures a quiet weekend against San Diego, resulting in three shutouts and a consistent trend of a team that struggles to slug the baseball. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at how this team needs to improve; do they need to move in a different direction at shortstop? Third base? Plus: What's the latest in the long-gestating return of Brandon Woodruff after a freak setback during a rehab outing? Are we closer to Jacob Misiorowski arriving? Can Chad Patrick really win National League Rookie of the Year? When will Nestor Cortes return? Why doesn't Pat Murphy trust Aaron Ashby?
Three Up Three Down (45:15) ponders Tyrese Haliburton, Wade Miley, a giant emu and JR's teenage son foreseeing a Caleb Durbin walk-off homer (and letting his father hear about it). Remembrew When looks back at 2013 when the tables were turned between the Reds and Brewers on a game-winning home-run theft (1:05:30) and Curt Blanche checks in on curious choices made by the Brewers in the pinch-running department (1:09:15).
Then, JR catches up with the man of the hour, Caleb Durbin (1:15:30), discussing his Illinois roots, his time with fellow speed demons with the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, his wrestling background, the intense academic standards required to play for his DIII baseball program and his recent success.
Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

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